A family in Kano demands justice after 25-year-old Bashir Muhammad Lawan was killed during a hunger protest. The incident resulted in clashes between security forces and protesters, leaving at least eight dead. The Kano State government reports 632 arrests related to the unrest.
A family in Kano has called for justice following the death of 25-year-old Bashir Muhammad Lawan during a hunger protest last week. At least eight people lost their lives in clashes between security forces and demonstrators in the Rijiyar Lemo and Kurnar Asabe areas of Fagge Local Government Area on Saturday.
Bashir Muhammad Lawan was killed when protesters on Katsina Road clashed with police officers. His family, grieving his loss, emphasized that Bashir was fighting for his rights as a Nigerian citizen. His father, Malam Muhammad Lawal, recounted how his son was killed just fifteen minutes after leaving home to join the protest.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated around Zuhr time when security forces arrived to disperse the peaceful demonstration. Bashir’s father recalled, “They were shouting ‘bama yi, bama yi’ (to hell with you), and then the security started shooting, and consequently, my son was hit.” Bashir’s elder sister, Khadija Bala, added that he was running to take cover when he was struck by bullets. “They were only protesting but were labeled ‘yan daba’ (thugs). So poor people have no right to demand their rights? We want justice for him,” she said.
The Kano State government has relaxed the curfew from 24 to 18 hours, but businesses largely remained closed on Monday. Groups of protesters, some carrying Russian flags, continued to take to the streets. The state government reported that 632 suspected vandals had been arrested for looting public property during the unrest.
The bereaved family, along with other residents, continues to demand justice and accountability for the actions of the security forces during the protest.
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